Kolkatta

Kolkatta

Kolkata is the second largest city in India after Mumbai. It has a population of more than 15 mln. inhabitants. Long known as the cultural capital of India, Kolkata continues to generate poets, film producers, writers and Nobel Prize winners. If you are planning to visit 2-3 cities in India, Kolkatta is definitely a place you should consider to visit.

SAFETY INDEX

See others cities in India

The city is reasonably safe. The most common types of crime are theft. While visiting suburbs be cautious, as it’s very easy to get lost, particularly during the dusk. Losing your way at night might be a panic-inducing situation. SafeAround has compiled information from numerous sources make sure you have a safe trip to Chennai and be aware of all potential dangers.
Kolkatta is the 128th safest country in the world, based on the safest and most dangerous countries ranking.

Warnings & Dangers

OVERALL RISK :

Kolkata is a city with a moderate level of crime. Travellers are often victims of petty crime, but this can be prevented by taking basic precautions.

PICKPOCKETS RISK :

This is a real pain of India. Kolkatta is not an exception.

MUGGING RISK :

Kidnapping almost doesn’t exist. Mugging is not common.

SCAMS RISK :

Unfair individuals or group of them desire to take an advantage of distracted tourists. Be aware of the Importing Gemstones scam, fast meter scam in a taxi and beg for milk or pen. Read more about scams on the main article about India.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK :

Taxi drivers know that you are a foreigner and do not acquaint with the local taxi fares used to refuse to switch on the taxi meters and call the price they deem relevant to call for their service.
Be aware of pickpockets in the public transport, particularly while getting on the transport in the big transport hubs. Be especially vigilant on the overnight trains and buses. Do not accept any food or drinks as it may be spiked.
Driving the rented motorcycle may be dangerous because the traffic is chaotic, driving standards is poor. If you decided to rent a motorcycle, be very cautious and use helmet.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK :

India is very exposed to natural dangers. Earthquakes, flooding and severe storms are the main perils. If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.

TERRORISM RISK :

India continues to experience terrorist and insurgent activities which may affect tourists directly or indirectly. Anti-Western terrorist groups are active in India, including Islamist extremist groups such as Harkat-ul-Jihad-i-Islami, Harakat ul-Mujahidin, Indian Mujahideen, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Lashkar-e Tayyiba.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK :

Sexual assaults do occur very frequent both day and night. Try not travel alone at all. Be in a group, avoid poorly illuminated streets and bars with intoxicated individuals. Try to avoid those areas we mentioned before.

Carte

WHAT TO DO?

Southern fringes

There is number of institutes and shopping malls in this area. The transformation to the modern area is incredible, as even couple decades ago there were slums. The area is absolutely safe, though it’s worth to be constantly vigilant and pay attention to your surrounding.

South Kolkata

It is mostly residential areas with huge shopping malls like Quest, Acropolis etc. Other infrastructures like golf clubs, stadium or rowing club are in proximity. In recent years the number of burglaries increased, though this is not a concern for tourists.

Colonial District

Area, where all buildings of the colonial-era are located. Walk around and take in the beautiful colonial era architecture; get lost and explore the many hidden alleyways, old buildings, ancient trams and street food vendors. Pay attention to the pickpockets and keep an eye on your belongings.

Sonagachi

The largest red light district in Kolkata. It is an area with several hundred multi-storey brothels, with around 10,000 workers, particularly from Bangladesh. Sonagachi is situated in North-Kolkata near the intersection of Chittaranjan Avenue Sova Bazar and Beadon Street, just north of the Marble Palace. In that kind of place, there is need to be vigilant and be aware of drink and food spiking, even more, worth to know, that HIV level in India is very high.

Sudder Street

This is the epicenter of drugs in Kolkata. SafeAround advises avoiding this area if possible.

Useful Information

You’ll need to get a visa before travelling to India. You can find further information about how to apply on the Indian High Commission website.
Make sure your passport has at least six months’ validity from your planned date of return.

500 and 1000 Rupee banknotes were withdrawn from the circulation. The official currency in Vietnam is Dong. In order to obtain the best currency exchange possible, try to exchange your money in banks, post offices or in some large hotels. The convenient currency exchange rate also can be found at the international airports. Be aware of swapping in the local currency exchange offices.